Legal/Judicial Experience

Judge on King County Superior Court since 2013; Washington State Supreme Court Justice Pro Tem; elected Superior Court Judges’ Association President by judges statewide; Chief of King County’s Family Law and Criminal Departments; Special Inquiry Judge; mental health court lead judge; prosecutor for 12 years, served on the Green River Task Force and tried Washington’s first human trafficking case; Special Assistant United States Attorney; statewide court security task force chair.

Other Professional Experience

Adjunct Faculty, Seattle University School of Law

Education

Seattle University School of Law, J.D. cum laude; Georgetown University, B.A.

Community Service

Rainier Scholars Resource Council; volunteer mediator; volunteer mock trial judge 

Statement

I have been in public service for 25 years as a trial judge, Supreme Court Justice Pro Tem, and prosecutor. I have protected individuals’ constitutional rights, upheld the rule of law, and centered crime victims' voices in our justice system.

I know the role the law plays to protect and serve us all. I began my legal career helping bring the Green River Killer to justice. As Chief Family Law Judge, I helped start a protection order court that resulted in hundreds of firearms being surrendered by people who committed acts of domestic violence. We live in unprecedented times for our democracy. As a Justice, I will defend our rights and the Constitution, maintain impartiality, and always remember that my rulings affect real people.

I am proud to be rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” for the Supreme Court by multiple bar associations and named “Judge of the Year” by the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Endorsements: Governor Christine Gregoire, Congressman Adam Smith, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth, 15 mayors, county executives, Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, and over 200 trial and appellate court judicial officers.